Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Read more OC Fair 2026: Winning stuffed animals and giving to children in need
Ranking the county’s top running backs in Orange County going into the 2026 high school football season:
TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS
1. Kamden Tillis, Los Alamitos, Sr.: The San Diego State commit knows how to burst through the line of scrimmage and keep his legs churning toward the end zone. Tillis (5-11, 185) led the CIF-SS Division 2 champion Griffins in rushing yards (1,553) and rushing touchdowns (19) last season. He also had 26 receptions for 346 yards.
2. Kevika Mata’utia-Martinez, La Habra, Sr: Mata’utia-Martinez delivered a stellar postseason in 2025. He rushed for 736 of his 1,436 yards as the Highlanders captured the CIF-SS Division 4 title. Mata’utia-Martinez, who was selected the Division 4 offensive player of the year, is a bruising back at 6-foot and 210 pounds. He also plays linebacker.
3. Jaion Smith, Santa Margarita, Jr.: Smith (6-0, 190) is a player to watch for multiple reasons. He returns as the Eagles’ leading rusher after gaining 896 yards and scoring nine TDs last season. He has earned several college offers at running back, including one from USC. And this fall, he is expected to also play on defense.
4. Caleb Bey Jr., Crean Lutheran, Sr.: The Cal Poly SLO commit is a 1,000-yard rushing candidate after making significant strides last season. Bey (5-10, 190) averaged 7.8 yards per carry en route to a career-high 735 yards. “He is also an excellent receiver and plays a key role in our passing game,” Saints coach Rick Curtis said.
5. Asir Nembhard, Mater Dei, So.: The speedy Nembhard (5-9, 180) flashed his potential last season and enters the 2026 season as an intriguing prospect. USC and UCLA were among the colleges in the spring to offer Nembhard, who averaged 7.1 yards on 26 carries last season. Nembhard isn’t the Monarchs’ only promising back. Keep an eye on sophomore Mark Allen Jr. (6-0, 210), who holds offers from USC, UCLA, Oregon and LSU among others. He had 14 carries last season.
Read more HOA Homefront: Who handles termites?
6. Kelton Strickland, Western, Sr., RB: The transfer from Leuzinger brings breakaway speed to the Pioneers, who need a running back to replace Skylar Lendsey (UNLV). Strickland (5-10, 190) averaged 10.7 yards per carry last season en route to almost 1,000 yards. He has been offered by Washington State.
7. Gavin Garza, Costa Mesa, Sr.: Garza (5-8, 185) returns stronger and faster after finishing third last season in Orange County for rushing yards, Mustangs coach Gary Gonzalez said. In 11 games in 2025, Garza averaged 8.5 yards per carry and recorded four games with at least 200 yards en route to 1,761 yards. The Tango League offensive player of the year also rushed for 24 TDs.
8. Coy Collins, Villa Park, Jr: Collins is another running back who showcased his potential last season. He rushed for 522 yards in six games and averaged 7.5 yards per carry. He has grown to 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. “He is our run game,” Spartans coach Dusan Ancich said.
9. Adrian Petero, Santa Margarita, So. The power back appears set for a bigger role. Petero (5-5, 185) moved the pile and evaded defenders last season as he rushed for 334 yards and three TDs.
10T. Jorden Wells, Servite, Jr.: Wells (5-7, 165) brings his track speed and experience from 2025 into his role as the Friars’ No. 1 running back. Last season, he rushed for 405 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and added 16 receptions. “His speed and skill set are definite game changers,” Servite coach Rick Garretson said.
10T. Aidan Faraj, Foothill, Sr.: Faraj (5-9, 205) is a versatile back who racked up highlights last season for a squad that finished 3-7. The first-team All-Epsilon League selection rushed for 749 yards and eight touchdowns and added 25 receptions.
Read more A high-stakes test for Trump’s Gaza ceasefire board as Hamas disarmament looms